In North Carolina, a police response helps, but it does not automatically force an insurance company to accept fault. Your next steps are to get the crash report, preserve other evidence (photos, witness info, vehicle damage documentation), and give the insurer a clear, consistent written statement supported by that evidence. Because North Carolina follows strict contributory negligence rules, even a small allegation that you contributed to the crash can affect an injury claim—so it is important to document the lane-change facts and any injuries promptly.
If you were driving in North Carolina and the police came to the scene after another driver moved into your lane and sideswiped your driver’s side, you may wonder what you can do when the insurance company still says fault is “disputed.” The practical issue is that insurers often make their own liability decision based on what they can prove, not just on the fact that an officer responded. This article explains what steps you can take to strengthen a fault determination and protect both a property-damage claim and a possible injury claim.
In North Carolina, fault in a car crash is usually evaluated under negligence principles. Insurance companies investigate and decide whether they accept liability, deny liability, or split fault based on the information they have. A law enforcement crash report can be important evidence, but it is not always the final word, and some parts of crash reporting are restricted from being used as proof of negligence in a civil case.
Two North Carolina rules matter a lot in “fault dispute” situations: (1) North Carolina’s contributory negligence doctrine (if the insurer can credibly argue you contributed to the crash, it may deny an injury claim), and (2) the rules about crash reports and what parts can or cannot be used as evidence. Also, you should be careful about signing releases when resolving property damage, because a release can sometimes be written broadly enough to affect injury claims if you are not careful.
Apply the Rule to the Facts: Here, you report a lane-change sideswipe with damage along the driver’s side doors, and police responded. That fact pattern often turns on physical evidence (where the impact started, scrape direction, and lane positioning) plus any independent witnesses or video. Because you believe you had injuries but did not see a doctor, the insurer may also argue your injuries were minor or unrelated, so documenting symptoms and getting appropriate medical evaluation can matter even while fault is being debated.
In North Carolina, a police response is helpful, but it does not automatically resolve a fault dispute with an insurance company. The most effective approach is to obtain the official crash report, preserve and organize evidence that supports the lane-change sideswipe, and present a consistent written claim while avoiding statements that invite contributory negligence arguments. As a next step, request the crash report and send the insurer a written liability summary with your photos and witness information as soon as you can.
If you're dealing with a North Carolina crash where police responded but the insurance company is still disputing fault, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today. Call (800) 333-4444.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.
